Numbers
191 species in 21 genera in North America (
nearctica.com)
Identification
body yellowish, brownish, or grayish; antennae extend forward noticeably, a distinctive feature; wings often spotted or otherwise marked
Range
throughout North America and other regions of the world
Habitat
adults around marshes, lakes, ponds, or wooded areas
larvae are aquatic
Food
larvae feed on freshwater or terrestrial snails, slugs, fingernail clams, or snail eggs (How to Know the Insects by Roger Bland, 1978)
See Also
Dryomyzids are similar but have a well-developed clypeus.
Internet References
common name reference plus pinned adult images of North American species (Insects of Cedar Creek, Minnesota)
common name reference plus pinned adult images of European species (bioimages.org.uk)